my set-up

[Becca]

Originally Posted by help

i have also observed that different plants naturally have different leaf colors. and as far as phals go, i think ive found the light that mine are happy in, however,that " perfect lighting" spot is no more. so my goal is to keep the leaves the same color. i figured out a good height to start with here The Plant Geek Chronicles: Basic Phalaenopsis Culture

im the one who commented, fyi

Please keep in mind that the distance from lights will very depending on size of lights are being used, for example T12's, T8's, or T5's, and four foot versuses 2 foot tubes.

[Call_Me_Bob]

okay, mine are 4 ft

[Becca]

But are the T12's, T8's, or T5's?

[stefpix]

and the quality/ width of the reflector. otherwise even the brightest light gets dispersed

[Call_Me_Bob]

Lights of America 70W 4-Foot Fluorescent Shop Light (White) (8045E)

i truly have no idea. but this is what but its the one in the link

[Becca]

Originally Posted by help

Lights of America 70W 4-Foot Fluorescent Shop Light (White) (8045E)

i truly have no idea. but this is what but its the one in the link

Well the description reads that it can be used with T8's or T12's. If you look at the bulb you are using it should have something on there...see what numbers and letters it has printed on the tube and let us know what it is.

[Call_Me_Bob]

ill go check

[Call_Me_Bob]

it says, in this order.

Philips
F40T12/home light
cool
40watt
ALTO

[Becca]

So 40 following the F tells you it is a 40 watt bulb like you had mentioned, and then following the F40, is the T12 designator for the bulb size. T12's are not as strong as a T8 or T5, but they should be fine for phals, but unfortunately they will not be enough light for a dendrobium of a cattleya.

[Call_Me_Bob]

okay, i made a mistake! i didnt realize that there were different lights in the fixtures ( someone gave them to me, i didnt pick them out )

the other types of bulbs are
GE residental light
F40Res
40 watt

and

GE
F40SP65
40 watt

and

Philips
F40CW/RS/EW
34 watt
econ-o-wat

and

Philip
F40Spec35/RS/EW-II
34watt
econ-o-wat

sorry for my mistake, and thanks for all your help past and future!